EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES AND DIET HABITS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) remains a severe global public health challenge, with a multifactorial etiology closely linked to the early introduction of free sugars and cariogenic dietary patterns. Understanding the dynamics between infant diet and tooth demineralization is essential for establishing effective preventive strategies. Objective: To evaluate the impact of dietary habits and sugar consumption on the development and progression of early childhood caries, synthesizing recent scientific evidence on interventions and nutritional guidelines. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Web of Science databases, encompassing articles published between 2021 and 2026. Based on the PICO framework, 10 eligible studies were selected, including clinical trials, longitudinal studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and institutional guidelines. Results and discussion: The findings confirm that frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods before two years of age, combined with practices such as unrestricted nocturnal breastfeeding without oral hygiene and sweetened nursing bottles, substantially increases the risk of severe ECC. Sucrose acts as a key substrate for the metabolism of acidogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans. Interventions based on early dietary counseling, strict restriction of added sugar until 24 months of age, and fluoridated toothpaste usage (1,000–1,100 ppm) prove highly effective. Conclusion: Effective ECC management requires an early, transdisciplinary approach integrated among pediatric dentists, pediatricians, and nutritionists, aimed at family dietary re-education and promoting healthy habits from birth.